MEMPHIS, Tenn.— March 12, 2026— A new City of Memphis pilot program aimed at helping families with children in Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) secure stable housing has already assisted 71 families in moving into their own rental homes — a major milestone toward its goal of stabilizing 80 households.
The Student Housing Intervention Program is funded by the City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the $1 million initiative provides rental assistance, a monthly stipend for up to 12 months, and intensive supportive services. The program is delivered in partnership with two experienced community agencies: Agape Child & Family Services and Community Alliance for the Homeless.
Approximately 400 families were initially identified by MSCS social services as potentially eligible for support. Through close coordination with the district’s Homeless Education Program, AGAPE prioritized families facing the most urgent housing challenges.
Participating families receive more than financial assistance. The program includes individualized case management, employment support, and connections to community resources designed to strengthen household stability and promote long-term housing success. Families who do not qualify for direct financial assistance may still access referrals and social services through partner agencies.
“This program is rooted in a simple idea. When families have stability, they are better able to make plans for the future,” said Mayor Paul Young. “By helping parents secure stable housing and connecting them with the support they need, we are creating the conditions for families to set goals, pursue opportunity, and build stronger futures for their children. When families are able to move from crisis to stability, the entire community benefits.”
Nationally, similar direct-support models have demonstrated strong outcomes, helping families cover essential expenses such as housing, groceries, utilities and transportation while reducing the financial pressures that can lead to instability.
Agape Child & Family Services has decades of experience providing transitional housing support, workforce development programming, and case management. Its CEO, David Jordan, added: “We’re grateful to work alongside Mayor Young, the City of Memphis, Memphis-Shelby County Schools, and the Community Alliance for the Homeless to annually support 80 unhoused students and their families. By combining stable housing with comprehensive family support, we are helping families move from crisis to stability and ultimately toward flourishing. This partnership reflects what’s possible when a hope-centered city comes together to ensure every child and their family has a safe place to call home. “
The Community Alliance for the Homeless leverages its deep experience assisting unhoused individuals and families to connect participants to appropriate housing resources, long-term stability solutions, and data quality.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment between the City of Memphis and Memphis-Shelby County Schools to address housing instability among families with school-age children — improving not only housing outcomes, but also school attendance, academic engagement, and overall family well-being.
City officials anticipate that strong results from this first phase will help attract additional funding and expand the program, allowing more Memphis families to move from housing insecurity toward stability and opportunity.
City of Memphis Media Contacts:
Arlenia Cole – [email protected]
Alejandro Paredes – [email protected]